You know, there are fancy pants meals, and there are meals that feed the soul. Certainly, one can be the other… there’s no mutual exclusivity here, but sometimes, it’s nice to go to a place that doesn’t require a dress code. At the Camden Valley Inn, bring your soft spot for cosy and comfort. The rooms are cute as heck, too. Stay overnight for a little holiday not-so-far away from it all?
Camden’s Warmest Welcome
There’s something about arriving in the cooler months that feels like turning up at a friend’s country home. The kind of friend who has excellent taste in whisky, a thing for leather armchairs, and a very enthusiastic kitchen staff.
Set in the Macarthur region about an hour southwest of Sydney, the inn is part historic pub, part polished dining venue, part cosy hideaway. Inside, the warmth is more than metaphorical. Wood fires crackle, locals nod hello, and you’ll wish you’d been coming here for ages.
A Setting Made for Snuggling In
The dining room doesn’t try for trendiness, and thank goodness for that. Think clubby sofas the size of double beds, timber beams and fireplaces the size of a bear’s cave. There’s an ease to it all. The staff are warm without hovering, and the other patrons are just as friendly. I snag a spot on that squashy leather lounge in front of the fire and start my evening with a salted caramel martini. Desert first, anyone?
Let the Feasting Begin
The new winter menu is why I’m here. And wow, the serves are generous; this food is tailor-made for sharing. It doesn’t hold back on flavour either, so this self-confessed salt addict never even picks up the shaker.
I start with the burrata and pizza puff bread, a wheaty and warm cloud of carbs that’s almost impossible to stop eating. This one gets full marks, extra credit on the chilli oil. It’s a gushy dream of a bite.
Then the lamb. Nope, these aren’t some dainty pone-picked things, but beautiful frenched coins of tender meat perched over a pillowy mash with asparagus spears for freshness and colour. The sides aren’t an afterthought here; together they sing.
More glorious meat
Yep, there’s more lamb. Nope, I’m not sorry. The Massaman lamb shank, back for the season by popular demand, arrives looking like it could feed a family. It’s a rich dish, creamy and aromatic, not for the faint of heart or those afraid of flavour. Several of the other tables near me are receiving the same dish, and we nod in solidarity.
Finally, the Guinness Pie rounds out the table like a warm hug. Shortcrust pastry is stuffed with slow-cooked beef, topped with a schmear of bright green mushy peas and a ladle of gravy. It’s classic for a reason, and here, it’s one of the best I’ve had in a while.
The Verdict
Bold flavours, quality produce and the kind of portions that encourage boxing up or sharing make this a must-do for Autumn. The new menu provices a lovely balance between refined and rustic, comfort and class. It’s not trying to be flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s warm and generous and curated just enough to make each dish one that stands out.
WHAT WE ARE ADDICTED TO: WE’RE HOOKED ON THE VIBE. YOU KNOW THAT IMPOSSIBLY COOL FRIEND WHO SOMEHOW INHERITED THEIR GRANDMA’S HOUSE AND MADE IT EVEN BETTER? THIS IS IT. IT’S THE KIND OF PLACE YOU’LL RELAX YOUR SHOULDERS, ORDER A MARTINI THAT TASTES LIKE WARMTH AND START PLOTTING WHAT YOU’LL COME BACK FOR NEXT TIME.
WHAT WE NEED TO BE MORE ADDICTED: PORTION SIZES ARE VERY GENEROUS AND GREAT FOR SHARING, BUT SOME DISHES MAY OVERWHELM SOLO DINERS OR LIGHT EATERS. HALF-SERVE PORTIONS COULD BE WELCOME. ADDITIONALLY, THE MENY LEANS HEAVILY INTO HEARTY, CARNIVOROUS CLASSICS. VEGETARIANS (AND PESCATARIANS) MAY FEEL LEFT OUT BEYOND THE STARTERS.
Camden Valley Inn and Bistro 290 Remembrance Driveway, Cawdor NSW 2570 HOURS: 11:00-9:00pm M-Sa, 11:00-8:30 on Sundays. Also, live music on Sundays, and happy hours throughout the week (Check website for details.) For bookings: 02 4655 8413 or book here.
